Honda CR-V 2002 - 2006 review
Overview
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Introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, the second-generation Honda CR-V remains one of the top picks among small SUVs. The 2002-2006 CR-V offers roomy and functional interior, car-like handling, above-average reliability and decent fuel economy for an SUV.
The 2002-2006 CR-V has car-like unibody construction and is available as front- or all-wheel drive (only AWD in Canada) with manual or automatic transmission. The only engine choice is a strong and reliable 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC motor.
The CR-V has disk brakes on all four wheels; the ABS is available (standard on all models from 2005).
From 2005, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control are standard on all trim levels sold in US.
The CR-V's all-wheel drive system is helpful on slippery roads, although it's not designed for real off-roading. In normal conditions, Honda CR-V is powered by the front wheels. If the front wheels lose traction and start slipping, the rear wheels kick in to help.
Inside, the CR-V feels surprisingly roomy for a small SUV. High driving position gives you better visibility. The instruments are simple and straightforward. The dashboard has numerous storage compartments; however, the glove box is small. Both front seats have an armrest. The tray between front seats folds down for easy access to the rear seat row. Rear seats are adjustable and can be folded forward offering huge cargo space in the back. According to Honda, 72.0 cu. ft. of rear cargo room can accommodate two fully assembled, full-size mountain bikes.
The rear hatch window opens separately. As in the previous model, there is a foldable picnic table under the floor carpet that also serves as a cover for a large storage in the back.
On the road, the CR-V offers almost car-like handling. The ride is firm but comfortable. Tight turning radius is great for city driving or parking maneuvers. On the downside, road and engine noise are pronounced at higher speed.
The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V received five stars in both frontal and side-impact crash tests performed by the NHTSA.
For more details, visit Safercar.gov.
In the offset frontal crash test performed by the IIHS, the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V received "Good" overall rating.
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Engine
 Honda CR-V 2.4L 4-cylinder engine |
The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V comes with one of the most advanced engine in its class: the 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder i-VTEC motor with aluminum cylinder head and aluminum block with cast-in iron liners. This engine produces 160-horsepower at 6000 rpm and 162-lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.
The i-VTEC technology combines VTC (Variable Timing Control), which continuously adjusts camshaft phase, with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that changes valve lift, timing and duration, increasing airflow into the cylinder and boosting performance at high rpm. This engine doesn't have a timing belt; a long-lasting timing chain is used instead.
Pros
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- Car-like handling
- Good crash test scores
- Practical spacious interior
- A lot of cargo space with rear seats folded down
- Rear hatch window opens separately
- Tight turning radius
- Good resale value
Cons
- Road and engine noise
- Driver's seat is a bit uncomfortable in long drives
- No available V6
- Boxy look
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